... with open eyes, and a generous heart, there is awe 'round many a corner ...

Tuesday, 9 August 2011

Retailing connectivity

Revolutions are not waged on streets alone. Here in Australia, and probably elsewhere around the globe, a revolution is being waged on the shop floor for the hearts and minds of shoppers. If not their hearts and minds, then their hip-pocket will suffice.

Here are two examples of 'bricks & mortar' retailing: Zara has invaded these shores from Spain; David Jones is a home-grown enterprise since 1840. Their difference is apparent in their facade. However, it is the fact that they have a 'High Street' existance that is their challenge. They are using old techniques to woo savvy consumers. DJs has acknowledged a profit down-grade yet seems to be blaming consumers for not spending enough. Other retailers are blaming consumers for buying online after having sampled on the shop-floor. Is shopping just material acquisitiveness, or is shopping a social and psychological 'need'?

10 comments:

I'm so glad I'm not a recreational shopper. Most of the time, I realize I need something, then go out and buy it. My sister and her daughter are recreational shoppers. My husband is a scientific shopper. He reads all the advertisements, checks out all the reviews, decides which has the best rating, and buys that. I'm right just as often as he is, however. LOL— K

I am not a recreational shopper! I find the experience quite stressful, often reminding me what I can't afford so I avoid it! Love these streetscape photos reminding me to keep these images to photos! I prefer village shopping if I must shop!

Shoppers are sick and tired of poor customer service and high prices across the board, that's the main reason shoppers are buying online and no gst for purchases under $1,000, its the retailers that have to lift their game and provide value for money :-).

I think if there was still such a thing as service, shopping would be much more enjoyable. I find myself online a lot more but because I'm such an awkward shape I need to physically try on shoes and clothes. I really don't like that new Westfield (did stick my head into Zara once but it was way too crowded for me).

If I need something to wear, I always and only go to Zara. It's reasonable, the clothes change all the time and they are not the same as in any other highstreet shop. They have two levels of quality/price and they are stylish - often chosen for the particular branch. For instance, the one in Monaco won't hold the same product as at a London branch. I do think we all consume far too much but personally I love Zara when I need to shop - need being different to want, of course...!

Retail is very interesting at the moment. There is no doubt people are buying more online (and causing an expected boom at Australia Post). As for the GST problem the retailers just need to set up off shore online stores. But the reality is that service makes a difference ... we have bought things online with very poor service when things go wrong so have returned to local stores where the people are known, trusted and helpful.